Just Imagine!
II Corinthians 10:5 says, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
I would like for you to consider the potential power of imagination. It appears that the front line of offense in Satan’s arsenal is the attempt to manipulate and monopolize our imagination. If we can have our thoughts captivated by darkness we are taken into bondage, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7). If, on the other hand, our thoughts are on truth, honesty, purity, things that are lovely, things of good report, virtuous, and praise-worthy activity then we are liberated. (Philippians 4:8). Consider:
1. The Power of Imagination in the Negative Realm.
Have you had a loved one that was supposed to be home at a certain hour and they were late? Your imagination becomes carried away and you begin to visualize them in a wreck or some other horrible circumstance. When they return home you greet them as though they had risen from the dead. An old Scottish prayer says:
“From ghoulies and ghosties
and three-leggety beasties,
and things that go
bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us.”
How many times have children lay in bed with sweaty palms over things that go bump in the night. It has been said that the sub-conscious mind cannot tell the difference between reality and imagination. Don’t you think the Prince of Darkness is aware of this? Jesus said He was a liar and the father of lies – so he knows how to incorporate a fantasy of fear.
2. The Power of Imagination in the Positive Realm.
If I were to ask you what is the single most positive thought the human mind can imagine, what would your answer be? Without hesitation I’ll tell you what I know is the single most positive thought: Jesus! Bringing Him into focus blocks out the negative. “For consider...lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:3).
Allow these words to sink into your spirit and make an indelible impression: “…as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper.” (II Chronicles 26:5). This was not only true in the life of Uzziah; this can be true in our lives today. What does it mean to seek the Lord, especially in the Biblical phrase, with all our hearts? It means to bring the thoughts of the person of the Lord our God into our mind, hold Him there and allow the imagination to improvise with thoughts such as He is my Life, my Light, my Lord of Glory. He is my Provision, my Protector, my Prince of Peace. He is my Calmer of Storms, my Comforter, my Caring Savior.
As our imagination contemplates the glory of His person, He invades our territory with the glory of His presence. And thus our darkness is overwhelmed by the glory of His power!
When our mind is filled with unrighteous imagination it brings unrighteousness into our reality. Our mission is to cast down unrighteous imaginations, lift up a righteous imagination and allow His righteousness to become a reality. Just imagine what the imagination can do.
- Pastor Pope -